Business Spotlight: Excel Nails

Excel Nails, a professional nail care salon for women, men and children, has been in business locally for more than 20 years, but since June has been owned and operated by longtime Windham favorite nail professional Dawn Ta.  

Featuring the finest manicure and pedicure services in the Sebago Lakes Region, Excel Nails also offers acrylics, dips, gel nail treatments, complete waxing services and more. Excel’s devoted staff of six professionals stand ready to show clients of all ages an exceptional level of customer service at the salon, located at 778 Roosevelt Trail in the Rich Plaza.

Ta is renowned in nail care in Windham and throughout the Sebago Lakes Region because of her level of experience, attention to hygiene and providing her customers with service second to none. She formerly owned another nail salon in Windham and sold that successful business but was eager to rejoin the industry earlier this year when she purchased Excel Nails.

“The key to operating a successful business to me is loving what we do and making the customers feel and look their best,” Ta said. “A customer is the most important person to come into our business, customers are not dependent on us, we are dependent on them and they are the purpose of it. We are not doing a favor for servicing the customer, it is the customer doing us a favor by letting us serve them. We are thankful for each one of our guests who walk through our door.”

According to Ta, Excel Nails takes great pride in providing each of their valued customers with top service and high-quality products and materials.

“We only use the most trusted brands in the beauty industry,” she said. “Our world-class products, services and technologies truly do distinguish Excel Nails from other similar businesses in this area.”

All services offered at Excel Nails are decently priced and customer safety and sanitation are a priority for the staff there.

“All of our implements are always thoroughly cleaned and subjected to an approved sanitizing and disinfecting process before being reused,” Ta said. “Buffers and files are used only once then are discarded. All of our pedicure procedures are performed with liner protection. Our staff is trained to follow a proper sanitation protocol that puts our customer’s cleanliness as our most important and number one priority.”

Loyal customers rave about Ta’s dedication to quality and since she purchased Excel Nails, the business has racked up many outstanding customer reviews, many citing Excel’s vast assortment of top brands and products and the salon’s superior level of personalized customer care.

One customer gave a review recently which said, “Dawn and Tom are very professional. I recommend Tom for pink and white sets. Everyone there does amazing nails though! Only place I will go to in the lake region area.”

Another customer raved saying, “New girl did a wonderful job. I have not ever experienced a bad job with them. Very polite and a very clean establishment. All vivid protocols are followed, and I feel safe.”

“I love what I’m doing to transform short problem nails to long beautiful nails, giving our customers good results and delivering exactly what they are looking for,” she said.

A complete facial waxing experience is available at Excel Nails including brow cleanup, eyebrow shaping, and lip and chin waxing, along with full-face waxing.

Dips include a full set with tips, full set with tips, full set ombre with tips, full set on your own nails, and fill set on your own nails. Excel Nails offers Pink and white powder and ombre treatments, and a full line of acrylic nail products featuring either nail polish, gel polish or shellac polish.

“At Excel Nails, a wide choice is provided to customers so you can be confident about using any services that you may prefer,” Ta said. “Excel Nails is a first-class relaxation and beauty nails spa that promotes comfort, beauty, well-being and health.”

The salon is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Walk-ins are always welcome and gift cards are available for purchase.

“We care for every customer that walks through the door,” Ta said. “We want everybody to be happy before they leave.”  

For more information about Excel Nails or to make an appointment, call 207-892-6752, visit them online at https://excelnailswindham.com or find them on Facebook at Excel Nails. Walk-ins are welcome and gift certificates are available which will make a great holiday gift. <

Business Spotlight: Sebago Primary Eye Care Services (SPECS)

Sebago Primary Eye Care Services (SPECS), located in the heart of Maine’s beautiful Sebago Lakes Region, has been making your vision and eye care health their passion since 1975. Their dedicated team of professionals offer complete optical services in two locations, one in Casco at 195 Roosevelt Trail and the other in Bridgton at 5 Lumberyard Drive in the plaza next to McDonalds. 

SPECS has become a leading choice for superior vision care for patients all over the region, not only for their personal service, but because their optometric experts stay up to date with the latest advances in medicine and technology to ensure precise diagnoses and optimal treatments for patients of all ages.

“The best thing about what we do is working with people,” said Dr. Thomas Gordon, owner of SPECS. “Everyone is different, and everyone has a different story. Even if their eyes are exactly the same, finding out what exactly works best for them is what we do the best here.”

In August, SPECS welcomed Brenna Gerchman, O.D. to the practice. "She provides a great blend of top-notch clinical education and knowledge with a strong passion for providing community-based care. I also expect that she will be an active member of the community and that will be evident over the course of the months and years to come," said Dr. Gordon.

The doctors at SPECS specialize in examining, diagnosing, treating, and managing eye-related disorders, diseases, complications and injuries. Patients from ages 3 months to 100 can count on SPECS, PA to be their primary care doctors for their eyes.

They offer early detection of vision problems and can determine the best course of action for eye concerns, such as whether an individual needs to wear eyeglasses, or update an existing eye prescription. Preventing blindness and counteracting eye diseases and disorders is a significant responsibility, but it’s a mission that Dr. Gordon, Dr. Gerchman, and the staff at SPECS are passionate about.

“We work very hard to maintain the best possible care for our patients, working with our patients to maintain a high level of satisfaction,” Gordon said. “We can’t fix everything, but we work very hard at it. Primary eye care is like being a gatekeeper for an individual’s health and if we can’t resolve an issue, we can get them the resources for those who can help them.”

SPECS offers annual eye examinations for those with diabetes to prevent destructive eye damage and can refer patients to an ophthalmologist for more significant cases and treatment requirements such as surgery.  They can also help with issues such as dry eye, red, pink or sore eyes and specialize in pediatric eye exams. Early identification of vision problems and overall eye health is crucial. It is recommended that you have your kids’ eyes checked before entering first grade, unless you have a suspicion of issues before that.

“An exciting part of our profession is the continually evolving technology used in eye care,” Gordon said. “There are always new things to learn in order to stay current. Eye strain from computer use, and associated symptoms from overuse has been increasing.”

The team of 12 at SPECS strives to make everyone feel welcome at their practice. “Our key principle for a successful business is to treat everyone who walks in through our doors the way I myself would want to be treated,” Dr. Gordon said. “We try hard to do that with each and every patient and it’s an essential element for all of us in this business.”

SPECS is devoted to quality care, attentive service and the latest in products at highly competitive prices. The optical department rotates a variety of deals and packages, and with over 800-plus frames between both offices along with a wide range of contact lenses, you are sure to find the perfect fit for your your needs. Anyone can visit SPECS optical department with a current prescription without an appointment or to take advantage of their onsite optical repairs.

Even if you don’t think you have vision problems, it is still a good idea to have frequent eye exams. The eye provides a clear view of blood vessels which can tell a lot about your general health. New patients are welcome and they accept most insurances, so call today for an appointment to ensure your eye health. Call 207-655-2020 for Casco or 207-647-5936 for Bridgton. Also visit www.specs4me.com for more information. <

Business Spotlight: Asphalt Experts

As the business name implies, Asphalt Experts are the go-to licensed specialists and top industry professionals for both home driveway and commercial asphalt paving and repair. Offering services in the Greater Portland and Sebago Lakes Region areas, 

Owner Joe Sparks is a third-generation paving expert. He was trained and inspired at an early age by both his father and his grandfather, who owned and operated an asphalt paving company in the Kennebunk area over 60 years ago. Sparks’ father followed in the family business, building his own successful company in Northern Maine.

“I began in the asphalt industry as soon as I could begin working,” explained Sparks. “As a young boy, I would go to work with my dad during summer months and school breaks. Eventually, I realized that I could take that experience and build my own company in the Southern Maine area. I love what I do, and it is a business goal that my experience and dedication to a company that has supported my family for generations will continue in the same manner as my father and grandfather.” That is - to provide high-quality service and product to satisfied clients.

It seems he may be reaching his objective. Sparks and his company of Asphalt Experts have received many accolades. “I can’t recommend Joe Sparks and Asphalt Experts enough,” stated one testimonial on the company’s Facebook page. “Joe did my driveway and my neighbor’s driveway last year. Joe showed up on time and did exactly what he promised he was going to do. I waited until we got through the winter to write a review to see how our driveway held up. Both my driveway and my neighbor’s driveway held up great. I have already recommended Asphalt Expert to friends and family.”

Another satisfied customer wrote: “Joe was nice enough to take his time to notice that we had some issue with our parking lot and paved for free. He is a super nice guy, as are his employees. Great company and people!”

What makes Sparks and Asphalt Experts stand out among the rest is that this company is an owner/operated business. With Asphalt Experts you get personal care. “You do not go through a sales manager – you talk directly to me - the owner - who has experience in the field and can give the client exactly what they want and need,” Sparks stated.

Another outstanding feature is Sparks takes great care to give an accurate estimate. “We don’t simply submit for the paving project itself,” Sparks continued. “We take the time to fully understand the unique paving situation a client has. I listen to their requests and needs, and from there I can determine what they want and find the best method to accommodate that specific project.”

Sparks and the rest of the Asphalt Experts team will make sure the preparation and finished project is done correctly. “We take our time and do it right,” Sparks said. “If it takes us an extra day or day and 1/2 than we had anticipated to complete the unique needs of the project, we do not tack on an extra charge to our customers. We do not sacrifice quality for quantity of hours.”

This level of the company’s integrity is an assurance to all home and business owners. After all, your home and business are the two largest investments one can make and Sparks and his team treat your home and business as if it were their own.

Asphalt Experts’ work ethic is unmatched, and their pricing is highly competitive. Whether you’re in need of a residential driveway or a commercial parking lot, count on this professional company for quality workmanship and attention to detail resulting in a durable, long lasting and aesthetically pleasing asphalt surface. Call Joe Sparks today and speak directly with him for a free estimate at (207) 252-9821. <

Business Spotlight: Den of Antiquities

At its new location in Windham, the “Den of Antiquities” antique and vintage shop is a treasure trove of childhood memories and do-it-yourself possibilities and each item sold there has a story to tell.

Now found at 201 Roosevelt Trail (Route 302) in Windham, “The Den” as customers like to call it, is open this summer on Tuesdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and features some of the most exciting discoveries to be found in the Sebago Lakes Region.

“We are a multi-vendor shop,” said ‘The Den’ co-owner Sonja Nielsen. “This allows us to have a large and diverse variety of styles and merchandise. We have vendors that specialize in vintage kitchen ware, vintage textiles, florals, tools, furniture, art, toys, coins, and jewelry. We also have artisan wares such as handmade soaps, herbal teas and body products, and giftware. We also sell a line of chalk paint and accessories.”

Across America, sales of antiques are flourishing, courtesy of the popularity of television shows like “Antiques Roadshow” and “American Pickers.” For members of nearly every generation, interest in antiques and items from long ago seems to trigger recollections of a simpler life and a yearning to own a piece of the past. 

Nielsen said she’s found that in the antique business there are highs and lows in the value and popularity of certain items, but the business is beloved by many because of its unique link to nostalgia and precious memories that her customers associate with family and the quality and versatility of old furniture which can be restored and repurposed to meet almost every budget.  

“The most often-heard comment from our customers refer to the variety of goods and the weekly and almost daily new merchandise,” Nielsen said. “In addition, most of our regular shoppers will tell you how welcoming and comfortable they feel here. We try very hard to engage with and to get to know our customers on a personal level.” 

If a customer is seeking a particular item not found at ‘The Den,” Nielsen and co-owner Jim Gammon will try and track it down for them.

“We maintain a wish list for clients,” Nielsen said. “We will work with our vendors and other contacts to try and find specific items. We work with clients from all over the world. We have the capabilities of shipping and sending large freight items all over.” 

According to Nielsen, prices at “The Den” are highly competitive and merchandise is constantly revolving, so each shopping experience there is different.

“We have more vendors than we have been able to accommodate before, so we have an even larger offering of new and ever-changing merchandise,” she said. “We are always looking to buy one item or a whole estate.”

Nielsen said “The Den” is currently working on bringing in more Do-It-Yourself products and hopes to create a studio space for people to visit and work on projects. 

Since starting their first brick and mortar antique store six years ago in Westbrook, Nielsen and Gammon say they have strived to assist customers through outstanding customer service and a willingness to help.

“You have to love what you do, care about the people,” Nielsen said. “Everything else will fall into place.”

For those interested in antiques and vintage merchandise, the hunt for treasured items heightens the shopping experience.  

Many antique and vintage shoppers in the Sebago Lakes Region and beyond first came to know “The Den” from visiting its former location on Route 302 in Westbrook.

“We rapidly outgrew that space. When the opportunity arose to purchase the new location in Windham, we jumped on it,” Nielsen said.

The shop’s new site is an 1840s farmhouse and barn and had been used by previous owner as an antique shop known as The Ruby Slipper.

“It’s a wonderful old gal and we are happy to be the new caretakers of the property and to bring her back to life,” Nielsen said. “So not only do we love her, we call her the old gal, but it met all the needs for our business.” 

For customers who are at a high risk or require special shopping accommodations, earlier hours are available by appointment.

For more information about the “Den of Antiquities,” call 207-650-3007 or visit www.denofantiquitiesme.com or connect to them on their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/OctoberHouseAntiques/. <

Business Spotlight: Elbow Room Bistro

"What’s going into the old Bomb Diggity space now that they’ve closed?” “Is that new café/eatery/pub/restaurant open, yet?” These questions have been the fodder and focus of the greater Windham community in the past couple of months. Today – we have the answers:

The Elbow Room Bistro is now occupying the former Bomb Diggity café, located at 781 Roosevelt Trail in Windham. It officially opened on December 18th and is serving high end, specially prepared and chef-inspired cuisine at local prices.

“We’ve had a quiet and slow opening and it has been intentional,” stated owner, Nick Kalogerakis, “My son Luke, who is the chef, and I wanted to take it slow and grow in the most authentic way. We wanted to get it right and have happy customers the minute we opened the door.

When you walk into the former breakfast/lunch café that now serves lunch and dinner, you will be immediately received by welcoming and friendly staff who will promptly accommodate your needs.

Nick, who was born and raised in Massachusetts, began cooking at the age of 17 and moved up the food service industry ladder quickly. Eventually, his father and brother collaborated with Nick, owning a couple restaurants in towns surrounding the Boston area. However, it wasn’t until Nick moved to Florida that he learned to cook in ways he hadn’t been exposed. “It wasn’t until I moved to Florida that I learned how to prepare foods in a variety of traditions as well as learning regional preferences and cultures. This is when I really learned the art of cooking.”

Nick eventually returned to the Northeast, landing in Maine in 2005. He purchased and co-owned Texas Roadhouse in Scarborough for several years before retiring as a business consultant. He now makes Windham his home.

Following in his dad’s footsteps, Chef Luke knew the culinary arts was his calling. He started cooking four-course meals at the age of 13 and, upon graduation from high school attended the prestigious Johnson and Wales University in Rhode Island until a cancer diagnosis changed his course in life.

“I always promised Luke that I would help him open a restaurant after he obtained his degree,” Nick explained. “His cancer diagnosis sped up the process.” Nick quickly added that in one more year, Luke will be considered cancer free. “So, when this space became available, we decided to take action.”

Nick stated that the father and son team began experimenting with different dishes inspired by his son until they felt like they got the balance of ingredients just right. “What we serve today are dishes that we have tested and tasted ourselves,” began Nick. “Additionally, every cut of meat is inspected 
individually, and all foods are made from scratch on a daily basis. Everything we serve is fresh.”

In the short time the Elbow Room Bistro has been opened, there have been many happy customers. The many testimonials you will find on Facebook include the following:

“I'm so happy the Elbow Room came to Windham. We've been waiting for ‘the go to place.’ We stopped in for lunch. I had a portabella burger and sampled [my husband’s] fish tacos. Both were delicious, reasonably priced [and not to mention] great staff and ambiance. They have also done a good job with seating given the space. Looking forward to stopping by for dinner next!”

Kevin and Lori Hammond who recently purchased a small farm homestead in Windham and have made this town their home have rave reviews about the bistro. They both lived over 30 years in Portland, and thus have the palate that aligns with TripAdvisor’s top 10 restaurants in the nation (of which Portland was in that top ten).

“Before we moved to Old Orchard Beach three years ago, we were longtime residents of Portland,” began Lori. “While living in Portland, my husband and I were exposed to many upscale restaurants serving high-end foods. So, I must admit, my husband and I – who were both born and raised in rural Maine, have developed the taste for fine foods. When we tried The Elbow Room Bistro, we were ecstatic that there was a restaurant in Windham that served highly selected and chef-inspired cuisine. What makes it even more amazing is their prices are average – while their food is not. We feel like we hit the jackpot with The Elbow Room.”

The fact is, they have been receiving five-star ratings since their opening three weeks ago by the locals in the greater Sebago Lakes Region area. Although both Nick and Luke have worked hard to meet the high ratings they have received since opening, they recognize they couldn’t have done it completely on their own without the help of Derrick, DJ, Susan and the rest of the Elbow Room Bistro team.

If you haven’t tried The Elbow Room, then you should check it out for yourself. Their hours are Sunday through Thursday: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and closed on Mondays. For more information or further questions, contact Nick and Luke at www.elbowroombistro.com, or call 207-572-1039.

Business Spotlight: Bio Organic Market + Juice Bar

Located in the Windham Shopping Plaza at 771 Roosevelt Trail, Bio Organic Market + Juice Bar will be opening the doors to its juice bar on Monday, January 6, with the market to open in the following months. Bio’s promise is to deliver “All Organic All the Time,” sourcing as much as possible from local organic farmers. This is expected to be a welcome and exciting addition to the Sebago Lakes Region.

Fueling the body with high quality food and products is something owner, Charles Hawkins has strived to do since he was young, while inspiring those around him to do the same.

“I grew up eating organic and even back then I recognized the benefits and not because I was told, but because I could see it. I always had more energy than those around me and I never got sick like my friends and classmates. Even as we’ve all aged, I’ve still noticed a difference, especially when I’ve strayed.”

His passion only grew further when he began working with a local organic grocery store in his hometown of Richmond, Virginia. “This was the first job I had where I really felt like I was making a difference. I wasn’t just helping the customers. I was helping local farmers, distributors, vitamin companies, and so many more I didn’t know about…all the way down to the individual.” It was during this time of his life he developed the dream of one day opening his own community based organic market.

Hawkins believes when an individual decides to shop organic, it is the responsibility of the store to ensure they are buying the freshest, most honest, clean products possible, a lesson he took from his job in Virginia. That’s why Bio is committed to doing its homework when it comes to the quality of the products entering the store and, in turn, the customer’s home.

“It’s not just about the look and taste of the products,” he said, “It’s about how it’s grown, harvested and stored before it comes through our doors. If we don’t do our due diligence, there is no guarantee our product standards and those of our customers are being met. This is where a lot of grocery stores and markets fall through.”

He continued “As insufficient regulations emerged, and stores became accustomed to carrying more products with labels containing ‘fresh’ or ‘natural’ the meaning of organic in your everyday grocery stores has been lost.” Bio plans to bring real, fresh organic choices back to the Sebago Lakes Region.

As with his other Windham business, Maine’s Alternative Caring, Hawkins also has plans to use Bio as a means to do good in the local communities it serves, ultimately allowing Bio customers to do the same. “Just by making the choice to buy local and organic products people are already taking steps to improve the local community,” stated Hawkins. “Even one juice from the juice bar gives back. It gives back to the farmer who raised the fruits and vegetables for it, the employee who picked them, the driver who delivered them and the employee that made that one juice.”

In the last year and a half, Hawkins has frequently given back to the Sebago Lakes Region through Maine’s Alternative Caring, with monthly donations, fundraisers and scholarship programs. It’s his hope that Bio will allow him to give even more back through charitable giving, donations and educational programs aimed towards leading a healthy lifestyle while learning about nutrition.

Bio also has plans to go a step further to get involved and be socially engaged with the Sebago Lakes Region by hosting events and being a leading supporter of causes that align with the company’s mission and core values in an effort to not only give back, but bring real change.

Through shopping with Bio Organic Market + Juice Bar, customers will not only get to be part of something bigger with the charitable and giving spirit of the store, but they will be taking part in enriching our community on multiple levels.

“I really am so grateful for the opportunities Windham has given me, and I am beyond excited to give back in a way that I am passionate about,” said Hawkins. “Our team can’t wait to see what the next year will bring.”

Bio Organic Market + Juice Bar is a cannabis free company and will be open to the public on January 6. For more information visit www.BioMarket.me or find them on Facebook.

Business Spotlight: Bob’s Seafood

Located in North Windham on Route 302 as one enters the greater Sebago Lakes Region, residents and visitors alike will find a seafood gem. Bob’s Seafood has been a local favorite and vacationer destination since 2002. 

Bob’s is a small family owned business now operated by second generation siblings Travis, Derek and Tarah Mathieu. Bob’s original concept was to provide Windham and surrounding areas with a fresh seafood market and offer some fried local favorites. It’s been a vision of Travis, Derek and Tarah over the past 10 years to expand on the business their parents began.

In September of 2018, their vision became a reality as Bob’s Seafood was transformed into a full-scale restaurant, bar and seafood market.  An additional 2,000 square feet was added which permitted a large kitchen expansion, dish room, restrooms and a taproom. 

The design was to give customers a modern industrial look while providing them with a casual, warm and cozy atmosphere. The original building was completely remodeled, but some of the original charm and quaint atmosphere was persevered for the guests that prefer that New England style, too. 

Bob’s new expansion added more than 25 new jobs for seasonal, part-time and full-time positions.

One of the missing components of Bob’s in the early days was adult beverages. With the addition of the Taproom; beer, wine and spirits offer another stream of revenue that has not been part of the equation in the past.  The Taproom is very spacious with an eighteen-seat u-shaped bar as the focal point and nine additional tables accommodating up to 38 guests. 

Sibblings Travis, Tarah and Derek Mathieu are
second generation owners of Bob's Seafood

The tap lines consist of 8 hand-picked craft beers, many of which are local to Maine. Maine Beer Company Lunch IPA, Allagash White and Bells Amber are amongst the most poured beers followed by the rotating IPA. There is a rotating specialty cocktail menu that changes with the seasons. Bob’s Seafood is currently highlighting Tiramisu Martini, Pumpkin White Russian and Maple Walnut Old Fashion.

We are also proud of our outdoor patio which displays a beautiful natural granite wall and a custom-built natural gas fire pit.  It’s the perfect spot to “wine” down and enjoy a great outdoor dining experience during those warm summer nights. 

Although the addition of beer, wine and spirits has brought in new customers, the food quality keeps people coming back for more. Previously recognized for their award-winning lobster roll, Bob’s is also known for their fried clams, scallops and haddock dinners along with hand cut fries and onion rings. 

As the building took on a new look the menu did much of the same. With a much larger kitchen, the menu now boasts baked stuffed haddock, sautéed scallops, teriyaki salmon, lobster mac-n-cheese, fish tacos, salads and much more. All menu items are homemade including appetizers, chowders and daily specials.  All food is locally sourced, fresh and made from scratch.  Bob’s Seafood takes pride in preparing all their guests’ food by hand and as ordered.

A one of a kind, eco-friendly lobster tank was custom built which includes a deep end holding tank and a waterfall to hold and sustain over 1,000 live lobsters as needed.  Bob’s sells live and cooked lobsters ranging in size from one to four-pound jumbo, in any quantities.

Bob’s Seafood takes pride in the seafood selection - offering wild caught, chemical free, local, natural and organic seafood. The fresh seafood case is stocked with fresh haddock along with Wester Ross natural salmon fillets, fresh swordfish, dry sea scallops, day boat halibut, lobster meat, crab meat, homemade crab stuffed mushrooms, stuffed clams, native steamers, mussels, oysters and more! 

Bob’s Seafood can bring in special order fish or customize an order with advance notice.  There is a Frozen market as well offering Alaskan king crab legs, native shrimp, clam cakes, crab cakes, crab meat stuffing, shrimp cocktail, tiger shrimp, local smoked mussels, and chopped sea clams. Bob’s Seafood has all the supplies in house and the ability to pack fresh seafood for road trips and overnight traveling trips whether the customer is flying or driving.

Bob’s Seafood is now open year-round. Winter dining hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The restaurant is closed on Mondays. Summer hours from Memorial Day through Labor Day are Monday through Saturday 11 a.m to 9 p.m. and Sundays 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The fish market opens daily at 9 a.m. or by appointment. If you’re traveling for the holidays or need a great gift idea, Bob’s Seafood also ships live lobsters and fresh seafood via Fed-Ex next day air anywhere in the United States.  For more information call Bob’s at 207-893-2882 or visit their website at lobsters-shipped.com

Business Spotlight: Ranger Pest Services

By Lorraine Glowczak

Whether it is the pesky mosquito that will soon make it’s early summer appearance, ants that live in your home uninvited, ticks hiding in your landscape or the irritating mice and squirrels camping out in your attic – Ranger Rick of the independently and locally owned Ranger Pest Services has your back and is there to protect you, your family and your pets, too.

Rick Reinhard and his wife, Melissa, co-own and operate the family-owned Cornish, Maine business. They offer pest control services in Southern and Western Maine and have done so for over two years. Not new to customer service or entrepreneurship, the Reinhard’s have also owned a construction business, offering honest and reliable service for over 25 years. Rick brings his past experiences to Ranger Pest Services. “Rick’s experience in building and construction gives him the knowledge required to locate and assess any pesky situation quickly, while delivering the most effective results,” Melissa explained.

Krista Lair, owner of Krista’s Restaurant in Cornish verifies the top-notch advantages of hiring Ranger Pest Services:

“[We] switched to Ranger Pest Services last year after many years with a major pest company. Best decision ever. Personalized service, check-ins regarding issues and concerns and of course, the best part is....results! Rick also started servicing my house, which had become a squirrel circus training site for the entire Northeast. He focused on removing said circus from the house by tightening up entry points instead of just trapping them...loved this and love the fact that I haven't had an issue since! Definitely very thankful and highly recommend.”

Rick can professionally solve issues like these, and thus gaining trust of the clients they serve. Most service professionals who work for well-known and national pest control businesses would and could not offer what Rick can so easily resolve. First, he owns the business and his reputation matters. Rick delivers the services needed and develops a relationship with his patrons. You will not find this in the “big box” businesses. 

Secondly, and as their website states, “Ranger Pest Services brings the same honesty, integrity and fair prices Rick and Melissa have always been known for here in southern Maine. Using the latest technology, resources, and products, Ranger Pest Services offers both traditional and organic treatments.”

Rick is licensed with Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Board of Pesticides Control and holds a Master’s Applicator License. 

Rick and Melissa take pesticides seriously, using them in the only most needed situations. “We are very concerned about and hold deep respect for the environment,” stated Melissa, who went on to explain her personal limited use of plastic. Rick added, “We think first, spray last.”

Using both traditional and organic treatments, the following are very imperative reasons why pest control services are important and the purpose why Ranger Pest Services opened their doors;

Owners, Rick and Melissa Reinhard

“There are a lot of serious diseases and health issues that are spread by pests and rodents to humans and pets,” Rick explained. “The top health issues to be considered is the West Nile Virus, transmitted by mosquitos and Lyme disease, spread by deer ticks. And, that’s just a few concerns we have.”

According to the American Mosquito Control Association, “As of 2014, there have been 36,437 cases of WNV [West Nile Virus] reported to CDC [Center for Disease Control]. Of these, 15,774 have resulted in meningitis/encephalitis and 1,538 were fatal.”

Regarding the recent health and environmental concerns surrounding local Sebago Lakes region streams and lakes, Rick points out that it is mandated by law to spray a certain range away from watershed areas, thus relieving any possibility of contributing further to water contamination.

As for the over abundance of ants you may have visiting now or the mice who will want to nest in your home this fall, Rick can easily take care of them without entering your home. He can spray the foundation to prevent infestation. What is important to remember is to not put your health at risk by waiting for the problem to escalate.

To receive the highest quality and personalized pest control services that considers and respects the natural environment, contact Melissa and Rick by email at rangerpestservices@yahoo.com or by phone; 207-712-8871 (Rick) or 207-651-3834 (Melissa). For more information, peruse their website at rangerpestservices.com.

Business Spotlight: Property Management Inc. of Maine

By Lorraine Glowczak

In recent years, there has been a growth in vacation rental housing due to the popularity of rental listing sites. “It’s like money falling from autumn trees” it has been said about property income and the trendy websites many use to advertise their rentals. However, there are many downsides to doing it all on your own.  

There are the weekly duties of laundry, cleaning, stocking, key handoffs, pre-stay communication, in-stay responses, calendar management, and the occasional repairs. And that’s just the beginning of managing one’s own rental and/or vacation property. What if you live out of state? Vacation for the self-managed property owner? What vacation?

This is where Property Management Inc. of Maine, a newly established franchise property management company located at 5 Whites Bridge Road in Windham, comes to the rescue. Locally and veteran owned by Kurt Griffeth and wife Jackie, the company offers professionally managed rental properties as a smart and worry-free alternative in the greater Sebago Lakes region.

What makes PMI Maine special? “We are 100% locally owned and operated with housekeeping, maintenance, and concierge service to protect your asset and ensure extraordinary guest experiences,” Jackie explained. “Our worldwide distribution package will place your property in front of over 10 million travelers every month. That means you'll have no shortage of bookings, revenue and repeat customers. With accounting and reservations centralized, our managers are free to learn, help, and maintain properties to keep them in tip-top shape.”

The owners of PMI Maine come with significant experiences that will make a property owner feel confident – trusting the care of their rental homes in the hands of Jackie and Kurt.  Jackie is currently a real estate agent and has been working in the field for seven years. She also has 20 plus years of experience in management and customer service. Her friendly “hello” as soon as you walk in the door of PMI Maine will instantly put you at ease.

Kurt is a veteran who served in Desert Storm and Iraq and has over 20 years of experience working in utility services, management and customer service. He currently works for On Target Utility Services.

Unlike many property management companies where the only service offered is advertisement and reservations while the owner must do the rest - finding their own cleaning company, property repair person and landscaping company, PMI Maine provides it all, including a concierge service.

“We can have their groceries delivered and put away as well as accommodating any special events. We can help arrange those special occasions such as birthdays, retirements, etc. We will even order the cake,” Jackie said.

And while most management companies will only allow the owner limited use of their own property, PMI Maine will accommodate the owner’s preferences. “There is no limit,” Jackie said. “If a property owner only wants to rent their house out for two weeks each year, that is okay.”

PMI Maine also offers marketing that includes worldwide exposure and reliable branding, maintaining an active presence on a wide range of channels, including industry publications and websites, Facebook, Twitter, Google +, as well as hundreds of online travel agencies that broadcast your properties for bookings.  

Accounting is another service. “No other property management network offers the level of centralized services that PMI provides,” Jackie explained. “We offer 24/7 access to accounts for property managers and monthly reporting for owners ensures everyone knows what is happening with a property.”

PMI Maine also provides a phenomenal guest experience for each guest on every visit. “At PMI Maine we look at vacation rentals, short term rentals, and even our corporate housing as an opportunity to WOW a guest and help make memories that will last a lifetime,” Jackie said. “Our goal is to have guests stay with us again and again. With over 250 offices across North America, South America, and Europe we are confident PMI will be your travel host of choice.”

In her role in real estate, Jackie has received many accolades on Zillow.com. “Jackie was our Real Estate Agent when we were looking for a house in Maine…she took her personal time to go see houses on our behalf since we lived in North Carolina. We bought our house without having ever walked in. We are forever grateful for Jackie and her patience and diligence.” This individual happily lives in Raymond, Maine.

If you currently have a rental vacation property or are considering purchasing income property and would like to know what PMI Maine has to offer, contact Jackie and Kurt at 207-558-5655 or email Jackie@pmiMaine.com. Check out their website at www.pmimaine.com.

With PMI Maine, you can rake in the money falling off the autumn trees and have freedom, too.